Poll: Quality of life worse in 2009

More than half of Capital Region residents say the overall quality of life has worsened here in the last year, and that more emergency food pantries, shelters and financial assistance programs should be made available for those in need.

The survey released today by the Siena Research Institute also found that while 54 percent said it was “very important” that their households help address those needs, only 17 percent were “completely satisfied” with their contributions.

Over the past year, 83 percent of Capital Region adults donated to an organization or charity, and 54 percent volunteered.

Nearly two-thirds advocate for more job training and placement programs as unemployment continues to take a toll on the community.

“More than any other intervention, two out of every three people we spoke with said we need to do more to help people find work. Help with food and shelter comes next,” said Donald Levy, director of the institute located at Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y.

Over 50 percent support adding more emergency food facilities, shelters and temporary financial assistance programs; over 40 percent believe households are troubled by utilities; and over 30 percent think most people are having problems with employment, access to health care, affordable housing and paying for food.

• 30 percent, when asked about children under 18, believe that the lack of low cost child care, the lack of adult supervision, obesity and the impact of drug and alcohol abuse are very widespread;

• 40 percent said gang activity, sexual abuse and problems with literacy are somewhat or very widespread;

• 78 percent agree (and 43 percent “strongly” agree) that a community is judged by how well they assist people that do not have resources.

• 25 percent of area residents knew of the United Way’s 2-1-1 telephone help line, a referral service for essential needs.

The study, conducted Nov. 12-19 with United Way of the Greater Capital Region, involved 1,007 random calls to residents in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady and Schoharie counties. It has a margin of error of 3.1 points.